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Sunday, 18 February 2018

The 11 most common scams and scams on iPhone and iPad

Apple is known worldwide for preserving the privacy of its users, and its mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch are famous for being incredibly safe and resistant to hacking and viruses . A reputation very well achieved.

But despite this (or perhaps because of it), there are many scams and scams related to the world of Apple and its devices. These attacks try to gain the trust of users to request access to private information, credentials and financial data.

Obviously it is not Apple's fault, and there are scams on all platforms, but in this article we will take a look at all the scams and existing scams related to your iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac ...

1. Fake invoice

The latest scams related to Apple's devices and services are as malicious as they are smart. Instead of asking a user for their information and data to make a purchase, these scams indicate that a purchase has already been made.

This scam seems to be an official Apple invoice, it is very convincing, but it is completely false . The fake invoice indicates that the user has purchased an application. Obviously, as the victim has not purchased the app, he will try to request a refund of his money. And it is that the invoice contains a link to cancel the purchase.

By clicking on this link, the login data of the user's Apple ID is requested . But, in addition, the number of social security and financial information is also requested. If at any time you have doubts about the veracity of an invoice, delete the email immediately and contact Apple.
2. Scams through calls

Currently scams through calls are giving way to scams via email or messages, but they still happen from time to time. So it is important that users are alert to this type of scams.

Typically, the scam involves making a call by posing as an Apple support technician explaining that there is a system failure or that an iCloud account has been blocked for some reason. The scammer will request personal information over the phone.

But from Apple will never call your mobile phone to contact me (unless you have requested) so never provide your data in this type of calls.

3. An email from "Apple"

In this scam, an email is sent to the victim mentioning that his Apple ID has been used in a login in iCloud from a web browser from a distant country. On this occasion Singapore. It is a very common scam, and unfortunately it usually works.

And they tend to work so well because they are emails very similar to the emails that Apple usually sends. These types of scams talk about a problem like a blocked Apple ID or a change in Apple's security policy. As usual, they request personal information to correct the problem.

Always try to check the sender of each email you receive . Especially if it contains links or if you request your data and / or credentials.

4. Scams via iMessage

With the evolution of smartphones, scams sent by SMS or messages in messaging applications are becoming very common. In this digital age, receiving a scam by messages is as usual as by email.

As with the other scams we talked about, these messages test the security of iOS and talk about your Apple account being temporarily blocked or that your iCloud account has been closed for some reason. Most of these messages indicate that there will be very serious consequences if the credentials are not provided through a link.

The best thing you can do in these cases is to block the sender and delete the message . Rare is the occasion when Apple blocks an iCloud account, let alone where the company sends a text message via iMessage.

5. Scams through the web browser

Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more common. Let's say you're quietly visiting a web page and, suddenly, a window of "advertising" that tries to warn that your iPhone has been infected with a virus .

In this pop-up it is suggested that you continue on the page to follow some instructions to fix your iPhone. In the warning it is recommended not to close the window or do it at your own risk.

Luckily, not many people usually fall for this type of scams. In addition, there are organizations specialized in the control of this type of fraudulent advertising on the web pages and finally they are usually eliminated.

6. Scams in in-app purchases

As you know by now, many applications in the App Store contain integrated purchases. Well, some scammers use this type of purchases to ask for money in exchange for certain non-existent services.

The truth is that Apple does very well when it comes to keeping malicious applications at bay. Your App Store review team is responsible for removing this type of apps immediately , but occasionally sneaks some.

7. Phising on iCloud

This type of scams use the floating windows of iOS to deceive their victims , and the truth is that their veracity is very difficult to detect. If you are an iPhone and iPad user, you will know that Apple uses this type of floating windows to request your credentials and log in to iCloud , App Store, apps, etc.

Well, the phishing in iCloud consists in taking advantage of and replicating this kind of pop-up windows to obtain the login data of the victim. Windows are part of malicious applications.

How to know if a pop-up window is real or false?

If you press the start button and the pop-up window disappears from the screen it is a scam.
If you press the start button and the pop-up window remains on the screen it is a real request and it is NOT a scam.

8. The scam of iTunes gift cards

Some scams ask victims to pay for an iTunes gift card. They usually vary, but they have a similar pattern. Normally a call is received requesting the payment of a debt. They demand that these debts be paid with the numbers of an iTunes gift card or other type of purchases.

This should be taken for granted, but it is noteworthy to note that no debt is usually settled with gift cards. And it is not legal either.

9. The scam of the device blocked

Really this scam is more of a hacking attack than a scam. But it is one of the most malicious and most effective attempts to obtain money from iOS users. The scam uses the access to Search My iPhone (or Search My Mac).

It consists in obtaining access to the credentials of the Apple ID or iCloud to block the device . Then, a message is displayed on the screen that requests a payment so that the terminal is unlocked, in this case 50 dollars.

In these cases, it is best to use different passwords on your multiple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch ...) and use double factor authentication.

10. Technical support scams

These scams happen in web browsers of macOS, iOS and other operating systems. They do not usually request your credentials, but they go directly for your money. In these attacks the web browser is blocked, a fraudulent error appears and a call is made to a technical support number from where financial information will be requested to solve the problem.

To avoid these scams, do not panic, try to close the web browser and if it is not possible, directly restart your PC / Mac .

11. Flash installation malware

Another of the most common scams in macOS (and Windows) is related to Adobe Flash Player. In these cases, a malicious software emulates or pretends to be a Flash installer . When installing the software, hackers will have access to your data. The classic definition of a Trojan.

The best way to avoid this type of malware is to download content, programs, software and applications only from the Mac App Store or from sources that you fully trust.

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